Power being restored for thousands in Pittsburgh area after severe storms
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Severe weather knocked out power to tens of thousands of people in the Pittsburgh area on Wednesday.
The severe weather brought rain, strong winds, a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warnings to many communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
In Saxonburg, the wind damaged roofs, a garage and downed trees. Pieces of the garage flew as far as 40 yards away. KDKA-TV was told no one was living inside the home next to the damaged garage.
Power outages due to Pittsburgh-area storms
Many communities were left facing power outages due to the severe weather.
Tens of thousands were without power at one point.
Duquesne Light and West Penn Power both say they are working to restore service as soon as possible.
Ice cream stand at Kennywood catches fire
The Millie's Homemade Ice Cream stand at Kennywood caught on fire on Wednesday night.
KENNYWOOD PARK
— Jennifer Borrasso (@JenBorrasso) April 18, 2024
Millie’s Ice Cream Stand’s roof caught fire. A source says there is excessive damage. And investigators are looking at a possible lightning strike. The Park said the fire was under control quickly. Kennywood’s opening day is this Saturday @KDKA pic.twitter.com/UQY5nZFlTN
Fire crews responded to the amusement park in West Mifflin just before 9:30 p.m. for the blaze. Crews got the fire under control shortly after. The ice cream stand is near the Thunderbolt roller coaster.
It is not clear what started the fire. The park's opening day is on Saturday.
"A small fire was reported on the roof of one of the buildings at the park this evening. Local fire departments responded immediately and the fire was quickly put out. There were no injuries," a spokesperson from Kennywood told KDKA-TV.
Crews from West Mifflin and Munhall were among the departments to respond to the fire.
Update on severe weather in Southwestern Pennsylvania
The tornado watch that covered all of Southwestern Pennsylvania was canceled at 9:45 p.m., and the severe thunderstorm warning for Southwestern Pennsylvania also expired.
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